The Vancouver Canucks announced today that the club has signed defenceman Alex Edler to a four-year contract extension through the 2012-13 NHL season. Edler enters his third season as a Vancouver Canuck.

"Alex is a gifted puck-moving defenceman who sees the ice extremely well for such a young player," said Mike Gillis. "He has made great strides in his career and we look forward to further growth and development in his game."

Edler, 22, played 75 games for Vancouver last season and had a career year recording 20 points (8-12-20) and 42 penalty minutes, finishing third in scoring by Canucks defencemen behind Sami Salo and Mattias Ohlund. In 97 career NHL games, Edler has recorded 23 points (9-14-23) and 48 penalty minutes.

Edler played for Team Sweden at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Vancouver and represented the Canucks last season at the 2008 All-Star Game dressing for the NHL Young Stars Game in Atlanta.

The 6’3”, 217 lbs. native of Ostersund, Sweden, was selected by Vancouver 91st overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Edler was the Canucks second pick that year behind Cory Schneider, who was drafted 26th overall in the first round. That draft also included current players, Mike Brown (5th round), Julien Ellis (6th round), and Jannik Hansen (9th round).

MORE INFO: Alex Edler talks about signing a four-year contract extension and what it means to him. Listen Alain Vigneault talks about Alex Edler as a player and the growth he's seen. Listen Laurence Gilman talks about the decision to sign the contract extension. Listen